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electrical:12v:laptop [2023/09/08 00:10] princess_fluffypants [use a power-sipping laptop] |
electrical:12v:laptop [2024/07/25 11:42] (current) frater_secessus [DC adapters] |
====== Charging and powering laptops ====== | ====== Charging and powering laptops ====== |
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Laptops are the most power-hungry of the nomad's communications devices; phones and tablets require [[electrical:solar:frugal|much less power]]. | Laptops are the most power-hungry of the nomad's communications devices; phones and tablets require [[electrical:solar:frugal|much less power]]. Pretty much the only communication device that will consume more power would be a [[communication:internet|Starlink]] dish. |
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There are two basic approaches to keeping your laptop charged on the road: | There are two basic approaches to keeping your laptop charged on the road: |
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===== opportunity charging ===== | ===== Opportunity Charging ===== |
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**Sit near outlets** whenever possible. When being seated by a host ask for a spot near an outlet. Test the outlet before settling in. | **Sit near outlets** whenever possible. When being seated by a host ask for a spot near an outlet. Test the outlet before settling in. |
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Install a [[electrical:12v:intro|power setup]] in your vehicle. | Install a [[electrical:12v:intro|power setup]] in your vehicle. |
===== use a power-sipping laptop ===== | ===== Use a smaller laptop ===== |
{{ :electrical:12v:delllaptopadapterannotated.jpg?200|}}This advice will likely come too late. :-) | {{ :electrical:12v:delllaptopadapterannotated.jpg?200|}}This advice will likely come too late. :-) |
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Watching movies on a tablet or even a phone will use less power than a laptop. The smaller screen may also allow you to reduce resolution and [[communication:bandwidth_conservation|save bandwidth]]. | Watching movies on a tablet or even a phone will use less power than a laptop. The smaller screen may also allow you to reduce resolution and [[communication:bandwidth_conservation|save bandwidth]]. |
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===== use a DC adapter ===== | ===== DC adapters ===== |
Using a DC adapter for your laptop rather than an [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] + the original 110v charger can save 10% or more power that would otherwise be lost in the inversion process. | {{ :electrical:12v:12v_usb-c.png?nolink&300|}} |
| Using a DC adapter for your laptop rather than an [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] + the original 110v charger can save 10%-20% or more power that would otherwise be lost in the inversion process. Most DC adapters will come with the ciggy port plug; it is common to cut the plug off and and wire it to the fuse box or to your preferred connector type. |
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Many modern laptops run off 19v; a [[https://amzn.to/3fna9n6|generic DC adapter]] will convert your nominal 12v DC power to 19v or whatever the laptop wants. For a bit more money you can buy an OEM((Original Equipment Manufacturer)) car charger. | Almost all small-to-medium laptops made from ~2021 and later run off USB-C, which is commonly rated for up to 90w; a [[https://www.amazon.com/Charger-HKY-12V-24V-Adapter-Replacement/dp/B08MQ7HMPY/|12v USB-C adapter]] will plug into a 12v [[electrical:12v:ports|cigarette lighter]] port and give up to 90w of USB-C which will power most laptops. For a bit more money you can buy an OEM((Original Equipment Manufacturer)) car charger. |
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Dell sells a 12v power supply for their laptops that is much less bulky than generics: [[https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-auto-air-adapter-90w/apd/450-aelt/pc-accessories|Dell 12v Auto/Air DC Power Adapter]] | Dell sells a 12v power supply for their older/larger laptops that is much less bulky than generics: [[https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-auto-air-adapter-90w/apd/450-aelt/pc-accessories|Dell 12v Auto/Air DC Power Adapter]]. |
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| {{:electrical:12v:12v_140w_usb-c.png?direct&200 |}} |
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| For larger/newer laptops (made from late-2023), USB-C has been expanded to support 140w of power delivery((Technically refered to as USB-C PD 1.4)). This is too much for a [[electrical:12v:ports|cigarette lighter]] outlet((they're only rated for 10amps, which works out to 120w)), but [[https://www.usbgear.com/cg-pd140epr.html|direct-wire DC power supplies will give you a 140w capable USB-C port]]. This is only realistically needed for the largest/heaviest laptops, especially gaming laptops or engineering/creator-oriented laptops. |
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===== reduce power consumption ===== | ===== reduce power consumption ===== |